[App. an Eng. corruption of Fr. basane: see BASAN.] Sheepskin tanned in bark; distinguished from roan, which is tanned in sumach. Often attrib.

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1674.  Guidott, Observ. Bath., in Harl. Misc. (Malh.), IV. 130. The water happened … to fall upon a Bazil-skin I sometimes use.

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1697.  Lond. Gaz., No. 3285/4. All Tanners, Bazil Tanners, Curriers.

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1755.  Johnson, Basil, the skin of a sheep tanned. This is I believe more properly written basen.

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1794.  W. Felton, Carriages (1801), I. 215. An inferior leather … called bazil leather … tears almost like paper.

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1854.  Mayhew, Lond. Labour, III. 419 (Hoppe). Each sleeper has for covering a large basil such as cobblers use for aprons.

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    Basil sb.4 and v. corrupt form of BEZEL.

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